Step 1
Select and purchase the right bottle of French wine by consulting with a salesperson at a local wine retailer. Let the person know what you are trying to cook and bring along the recipe or a list of the ingredients. French wines vary greatly in price, so tell the salesperson what you are willing to spend.
Step 2
Open the bottle of French wine about an hour before you intend to start cooking to allow it to breathe.
Step 3
Pour a small quarter cup serving of the wine into a glass after it has been open for almost an hour.
Step 4
Taste the French wine and consider how it will complement the other ingredients in the dish. Make adjustments or additions to the ingredient ratios to work with the flavor profile of the wine. Sweeter wines may need to be balanced with something acidic like lemon juice or vinegar. More acidic wines can be sweetened with sugar or honey.
Step 5
Add the wine, according to the recipe, and allow the dish to simmer above 180 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 minutes before tasting it.
Step 6
Serve a glass of the French wine along with the completed dish to bring out the flavor of the wine in the food.
